Mim02 Posted October 12, 2012 #1 Share Posted October 12, 2012 If I were to choose an Alaska cruise from Seattle, it looks like all cruise lines offer pretty much the same itiniary with the main difference a stop in Sitka or Skagway. Which would you choose? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vbmom87 Posted October 12, 2012 #2 Share Posted October 12, 2012 That's a tough one because they are both great ports, depending on your interests. Also, which glacier would be your scenic sailing day? Also what time of the year are you going? Glacier Bay is my favorite glacier sailing experience. Others like Hubbard better. If going early in the season, Hubbard could be iced out...you just never know. Glacier Bay does not have that problem. Some cruises go to Tracy Arm. This is a beautiful scenic area, but once again, if going too early and the fjord is icy, you may not get to the end of the fjord to see the glaciers. Although some itineraries look similar, in reality they can have significant differences. I suggest you post the itineraries for comments. Here is some info on Skagway and Sitka: http://www.sitka.org/ http://skagway.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonvoyagie Posted October 12, 2012 #3 Share Posted October 12, 2012 Given that all other factors are equal - ie you are seeing the same glaciers and the other ports and times are the same you will have to look at how your interestes fit into the two ports. Skagway is full of gold rush history (if you ignore the tourist stuff). There is the White Pass RR and other available tours into the Yukon. Here is a link to a site that tells what there is to do in Skagway http://cruiseportinsider.com/skagway.html Sitka was a Russian settlement and retains lots of that history. Since not every cruise ship goes there it is less touristy. The same website does not cover Sitka - sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdmlynek Posted October 12, 2012 #4 Share Posted October 12, 2012 On paper Sitka sounds better than Skagway to me (as in: there is little to do in Skagway compared to other destinations), but we really enjoyed Skagway. Even the touristy downtown has a Disneyland-type feel, we had a full day around Skagway, even without taking the train or going to the Dyea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
room010 Posted October 12, 2012 #5 Share Posted October 12, 2012 Another thing to bear in mind is that Skagway is very well sheltered from rough seas and ships are able to dock at the wharf so you can walk off the ship. Sitka is a tender port and can be affected by bad weather to the extent that tendering is impossible so missing the port altogether is always a risk. Having said that our visit to Sitka in July was during a flat calm so we had no problem getting ashore. As usual with Alaska, you just never know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted October 12, 2012 #6 Share Posted October 12, 2012 They are both nice. If all things were equal I prefer Sitka. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Tillie Posted October 12, 2012 #7 Share Posted October 12, 2012 If this is your first Alaska cruise, I'd vote for Skagway and doing the White Pass RR. That being said, I love Sitka and excursions where you get out on the water. I'll never forget my day with the otters in Sitka. As others have said, be sure to compare times in ports and glacier experiences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted October 12, 2012 #8 Share Posted October 12, 2012 Have been to both ports many times -- and we love both ports. It would depend on the length of time in each port. The port where we would have the longest time would be the one we would choose. Also remember that Sitka is a tender port. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Assateague Island Princes Posted October 12, 2012 #9 Share Posted October 12, 2012 Sitka - without a doubt - for us anyway. It is truly a jewel, less touristy and stunningly beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budget Queen Posted October 12, 2012 #10 Share Posted October 12, 2012 Which ever one you pick you are missing the other. BOTH are excellent, and I never would claim one "better" that the other. Simply not true. :) Instead, really find out about each one, and the differences. Take a look at shore excursion lists and find out what each port can offer you. Good luck with the decision, you're in for a great time. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mim02 Posted October 13, 2012 Author #11 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Now I have to come clean. I have cruised to Alaska before on the Oosterdam. We visited Sitka and I really loved it there. A beautiful little town. I just wanted to get the opinions of you others who have been to both before deciding on an itinerary, Two cruises, both on the "O". Don't know whether to stick with Hal or try another cruiseline. So many decisions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vbmom87 Posted October 13, 2012 #12 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Now I have to come clean. I have cruised to Alaska before on the Oosterdam. We visited Sitka and I really loved it there. A beautiful little town. I just wanted to get the opinions of you others who have been to both before deciding on an itinerary, Two cruises, both on the "O". Don't know whether to stick with Hal or try another cruiseline. So many decisions. I would suggest going to Skagway since you haven't been there yet. I would also choose a cruise that will go to a different glacier than you saw last time. If that means going on a different cruiseline, that is what I would do. JMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momnipotent Posted October 14, 2012 #13 Share Posted October 14, 2012 We have booked an Oceania cruise that will stop at both ports. So glad I won't have to choose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budget Queen Posted October 15, 2012 #14 Share Posted October 15, 2012 We have booked an Oceania cruise that will stop at both ports. So glad I won't have to choose. There are "choices" with every cruise. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank12 Posted October 15, 2012 #15 Share Posted October 15, 2012 We absolutely loved Skagway. Rented a car and drove way up into the Yukon territory. Saw mountain goats, bears, eagles, etc. Still had time to shop and enjoy the town when we returned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putterdude Posted October 16, 2012 #16 Share Posted October 16, 2012 I am a Skagway guy, I just love the history of the town and the area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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